European dinghy-racing champs set sail for Sunderland

European championship competitors will be setting sail in Sunderland next week.

About 50 sailors will take to the waters in Seaburn Bay when Sunderland Yacht Club hosts the European Championships of the Javelin Class dinghy.

The fast sailing dinghies will be sailing between North Pier, in Roker, and Whitburn from Monday through to Friday.

Alan Dixon, commodore of Sunderland Yacht Club, said: “We are delighted that the Javelin Class has chosen Sunderland as a venue for their European Championships.

“It is a pleasure and honour to host the event. Sunderland has superb sailing waters in Seaburn Bay and the club has the facilities and capacity to host this event. We are delighted to welcome competitors from Germany and Holland to the North of England, they will be given a warm welcome at the club.

“We wish them good sailing, fair winds and good weather for the event.”

Speaking about the sailing vessel, he said: “The Javelin is a sleek, smooth and fast, but very forgiving dinghy with impeccable manners. The hull and sail plan of the Javelin is strict one design.

“The Javelin is renowned for its build quality and longevity. Coupled with the fact that each crew can choose their own systems and fittings, this means that old boats remain competitive for decades, not just a few short years.

“The large cockpit area – you get in, rather than on – provides protection and security. The boat has inherent stability and smoothness, and is a superb racing machine.”

Races will be held at 11am each day. The prize giving will be held on Friday after the final race.

Alan added: “The event will use eight safety and support vessels and a small army of volunteer club members, both ashore and afloat.

“Thanks must go to the Port of Sunderland and the City Council for their assistance and support for this event.”